Kidnap (2024)

OhmLeng Deserved Better

I was genuinely hyped for this show. With Ohm in the lead, there is always a promise of natural chemistry, especially with a new face like Leng. The trailer painted a picture of darker themes in my head, I mean, a kidnapping subplot? Intriguing, right? It seemed like this could be one of GMMTV’s more serious or emotionally grounded series, maybe even a hidden gem but I was wrong.

➬ Plot and Execution

To put it as nicely as I can, it's a dumpster fire. It feels like they pulled random ideas out of a hat and slapped them together without any thought lmao. I think they cater to a 12-year-old audience while simultaneously throwing in themes that should never be anywhere near a show for kids. A kidnapping subplot? Really? How do you take that and mix it with juvenile humor? It’s embarrassing and that's not to say a show can't be dark and funny at the same time but it has to be well done which isn't the case here. The storyline is not only predictable but it’s also shallow as fuck, there is no substance whatsoever.

➬Tone and Pacing

This is where things went completely off the rails. The tone oscillates wildly from (attempted) intense drama to cringeworthy + over-the-top humor which makes it nearly impossible to get emotionally invested. One moment, I was watching a serious “kidnap” scenario that should be thrilling or tense and the next it’s as if the characters are filming a skit lmao. This back and forth annoyed me a lot. I’m not sure what they were aiming for but whatever it was, they didn’t reach it and the pacing is equally disjointed which makes the show feel like a mishmash of scenes rather than a cohesive story. Important moments are rushed while trivial scenes drag on smh.

➬ Character and Performance Analysis

Ohm → is as talented as ever but even he struggles to shine under this weak script. I can see he is trying his best but with stilted dialogue and poor plot development, there is only so much he can do. It’s disappointing to see an actor with his range stuck in a story that doesn’t even let him showcase half his potential.

Leng → For a first-time lead, Leng isn’t doing a bad job but he does need improvement. He has potential, his charm comes through and he has an innate sweetness that works well for his character but again the plot leaves him stranded. Even with great chemistry with Ohm, the weakass dialogue makes it difficult for him to deliver anything memorable.

➬ Chemistry and Romance

Ohm and Leng have a good on-screen chemistry which is honestly the only reason to keep watching. But even that suffers due to the poor writing. Romantic scenes that should feel sincere instead feel forced and hollow and this is mainly because of the misplaced humor. With a better script, these two could have delivered a very good romance.

➬ Overall Production Quality

While the show looks pretty decent, the direction is inconsistent with no clear vision guiding it and don't even get me started on those damn cakes they keep shoving on my screen, I know sponsorship isn't new to GMMTV and this is something that has always pissed me off because there are show's that make the Ads very subtle and then there are other's who shove it in my face, like this one.

➬ Final Thoughts

Watching this has been frustrating because GMMTV has access to talented actors but instead of capitalizing on that talent and creating good stories, they are more focused on quantity over quality. This series feels like a product made for the sake of staying in the game, rather than any real effort to push BL forward.

Why I am watching? → Out of respect for Ohm and Leng because they deserve so much better. I hope GMMTV takes note of the show’s shortcomings and reconsiders their approach in the future but I have no hopes lmao.

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romance at its core

Overall: I gave this a 9 because even with plot holes/nonsense stuff the romance remained strong throughout and I enjoyed the series. 12 episodes about 40 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala in: US, UK, Germany, Australia https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/4709/kidnap-2024-e01 ; Netflix Asia http://www.netflix.com/us/title/81927 ; YouTube in some countries https://youtu.be/KhSyfKC06J4

Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, blackmail, violence, kidnapping, mental health struggles/trauma, past death, blood

What I Liked
- an engaging intro that for once wasn't a flashback or a flash forward
- clear and unique premise
- subverted meet cute
- tension
- supportive sibling/sibling relationship
- sweet/caring moments
- characters were aware of their own and other characters' feelings
- ongoing physical intimacy
- a character went to therapy and their partner was extremely supportive
- that the villain had consequences (though I would have preferred it had happened differently)

Room For Improvement
- the beginning scene needed a little more light
- why did the guitar have to make an appearance in episode 1
- a ton of nonsense stuff (ie had all the lights on when going to sleep, being in the rain led to colds, doing villainy in broad daylight, talking about illegal plans in a public place, a character didn't run away with another character in the past, and a lot more)
- "comedy" sound effects like the quack noise didn't make things funny
- the trailer made it seem more of an action series when it's mostly a romcom

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